Aseptic thermometer case



E. c. MCMILLAN ASEPTIC THERMOMETER CASE Filed July 24, 1925 Aug. 10 1926:

patented Aug. 10, 1926.

UNITED STATES EDWIN o. MCMILLAN, or HUDSON, IOWA.

ASEPTIC THERMOMETER CASE.

Application led July 24, 1925. Serial No.. 45,918.

My invention'relates to improvements in aseptic thermometer cases, and the object of my improvement is to supply particularly for clinical thermometers a case having` a lin-er for absorption of an aseptic liquid deposited in the case and to t a thermometer placed in the liner, .whereby the thermometer may be kept aseptic for ready use at all times.

This object I have accomplished by the means which are hereinafter fully described and claimed, and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it being understood that minor changes in the dimensions, proportions and shapes of the coacting parts can be made without departing` from the principles of this invention.

In said drawings, Fig. 1 is a central longitudinal section, on a magnified scale, of my improved thermometer case, showing a clinical thermometer encased therein. .V F ig. 2 is a central longitudinal section of the absorbent line-r of said case, as removed from the case.

The ordinary type of clinical thermometer case has no absorbent or yieldable liner to fit and conform closely to the shape of'an inserted thermometer. The thermometer after use, is at times not fit for reuse without washing, preferably in some aseptic liquid. lli/*hen used away from a physicians office, and no supply of an aseptic liquid is at hand, the thermometer is frequently laved in cold water, but this is often ineffectual in cleansing it from hurtful germs.

It is my object, therefore, to provide means whereby the thermometer may at all times provide for complete cleansing and also destruction of germ life thereon after use.

rlhe much enlarged views shown in Figs. 1 and 2 permit a showing on a proper scale .to make clear the coactions` of the case 1 2,

its liner 7 and an inserted clinical thermometer tube 13. The barrel of the case 1 is of the usual elongated hollow or tubular type with open upper end having an exterior thread at 5 to receive an interior thread formed on the inner wall of a hollow cap 6. The inner wall of the case section 1 at the top is threaded at 4.- to mesh with an outer thread on a top annular head of the tubular liner 7. This liner is preferably shaped from felt or any suitable material which is absorbent, expansible when moistened, and thus capable by capillary attraction of becoming fully moistened throughout when its lower closed end is dipped within an aseptic liquid deposite-d within the lower part of the case. vThe upper end of the line-r 7 may be connected or interlocked with the head 12 by being diminished at lO and having an annular terminal rib 1l fitting and secured within an annular recess in said head. l

The case has a lower part or section 2 interiorly threaded to fit Aover an exterior thread at 3 on thelower end of the upper section l. This lower section 2 provides a cup or'receptacle for an aseptic fluid such as alcohol or diluted carbolic acid, and the lower end of the liner 7 is at. a level slightly above this section but having'a depending diminished part 9 which dips into and is immersed in the fluid.

rPhe interior wall of the hollow of the liner 7 is shape-d appropriately to closely fit the contours of the thermometer body 18 including its diminished mercury cup at the lower end thereof.

As the whole body of the liner 7 becomes quickly moistened by capillary attraction, its inner wall tends to expand inwardly to hug the thermometer, and so that when the latter is pushed in the frictional contact is complete which ensures that all parts of the inserted thermometer are treated by the aseptic liquid and when the thermometer is removed it is thus .scoured completely from such germs as may have adhered thereto after use. Y

The parts are readily disassembled for cleaning, and for re-lling Vthe cup part 2. Having described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is: l

An aseptic thermometer case, a liner therefor made of porous material expansible when moistened by capillary attraction and inserted removably in said case with its hollow shaped to fit the shape of an inserted clinical thermometer and having an annularly channeled open end, and a rigid annular head for .said liner having an inner annulus secured in said annular channel and releasably connected to the upper part of said case sealingly'to support the liner therein with its lower end .spaced from the bottom of the case, the lower end immersed'in an aseptic liquid in the case.

In testimony whereof I affix my, signature.

EDWIN C. 'MGMILLAN 

